Healthy Sexuality and the Church: Dispelling the Myths
Sex and sexuality are an integral part of our design as individuals and in relationships. Unfortunately, lack of communication, misinformation, and social myths have all contributed to consistent patterns of dysfunction and problems in healthy sexual relating. As we embrace the holiday season, many take a renewed interest in connecting with our dearest relationships.
Research suggests 45-50% of individuals / couples report they are having sexual problems.1
Many of the sexual problems couples experience have emotional and mental origins. Dispelling myths and openly communicating about healthy sexuality can play an important role in healing and health for individuals, couples, and the Church. Which truth do you need to remind yourself regarding sexual intimacy in your marriage or ministry?
| MYTH | TRUTH |
| 1. Sex is dirty and should not be talked about. | Sex is good and from God. |
| 2. Men are more "sexual" than women. | Sexual curiosity is natural. Sexual feelings and responsiveness are innate but do not control us. |
| 3. Sex is the most important aspect of a relationship. | Sexuality and sex are a part of God's design for intimate relationships, but not the entirety of it. |
| 4. Sex in marriage is a duty. I can ignore the sexual relationship in our marriage. | Sex is about connectedness, relaxation, pleasure, and intimacy. |
| 5. Sex is easy, usually with zero problems and always spectacular, with no communication needed. | Healthy sexuality implies good communication about sex. |
| 6. Once married, everything about sex will be great. | Mutuality is the biblical guideline for sexual functioning in marriage. |
Wondering what you can do to open up the topic of sex and healthy sexuality at your church? Refer to the "Sexual Intimacy" portion in our free eBook for more expert-backed insight and practical applications to breach this conversation at church.
1 Melz, M. E., & McCarthy, B. W. (2007). The "good-enough sex" model for couple sexual satisfaction. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 22, 351-362.